In the 12-year period of 2005 through 2016, canines killed 392 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 65% (254) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Attacks Like a Crocodile
Memphis TN - Joanna Foster was bitten while protecting her toddler from a pit bull. Foster, her husband, daughter, and her dog were walking in their neighborhood when the pit bull jumped a fence to try to attack her 17-month-old daughter Sophie.

Foster says, “It was like "shoosh,” like a crocodile coming out of the water. He (the pit bull) wasn't there and then, all of a sudden, he was there. Like a wild animal.”

Foster veered her daughter’s stroller out of the pit bull's path. The pit bull then clamped its jaws onto Foster’s left calf, tearing away a piece of flesh. The injury required just three stitches, but left her calf bruised all the way down to her ankle. Then Foster’s German Shepherd Bella jumped on the pit bull, giving Foster and her family the opportunity to run away.

“She (Bella) would have died for us if need be. She's a hero, you know,” says Foster.

Memphis Animal Services removed the pit bull that attacked Foster from the owner. They also took the owner's two other pit bulls. This marks the second victim of a pit bull attack in Memphis this year. On January 17, a pit bull named "Beast" attacked a 5 year-old boy who was walking home from school with two friends.

Memphis City Council member Myron Lowery says he has received many complaints about dog attacks in Memphis. He admits it is a serious problem in the city. Last year, he helped pass a vicious dog ordinance. He says it is easier now for homeowners to claim that a dog is vicious after they have attacked. However, until a dog makes a vicious act or bites somebody there's not much we can do.

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